The 1999 Formula One season was a challenging one for Scuderia Ferrari, with team leader Michael Schumacher missing six races after breaking his leg in a crash at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone. The German driver was leading the drivers' championship at the time, and his absence from the team was a significant setback for their title hopes. Schumacher's teammate, Northern Irishman Eddie Irvine, was left to carry the team's championship aspirations in his absence. Irvine had previously been regarded as a reliable second driver for Ferrari, but was now thrust into the spotlight as the team's primary driver. Irvine performed admirably in Schumacher's absence, winning four races and finishing on the podium a further five times. However, he was unable to secure the drivers' championship, finishing just two points behind Mika Hakkinen of McLaren in the final standings. Despite Irvine's disappointment, Ferrari was able to win the constructors' championship in the final race of the season in Japan. The team's performance that year was largely due to the strength of their car, the F399, which was highly competitive throughout the season. The car was also notable for its use of the team's newly developed V10 engine, which gave Ferrari a significant power advantage over their rivals. Overall, the 1999 season was a challenging but ultimately successful one for Scuderia Ferrari. The team's ability to win the constructors' championship in Schumacher's absence was a testament to their strength and depth, while Irvine's strong performances demonstrated the importance of having two competitive drivers in a championship campaign.